History
In 1905, the general partnership trading company Suzuki Shoten acquired a steel business in Wakinohama, Kobe, called Kobayashi Seikosho, operated by Seiichiro Kobayashi, and changed its name to Kobe Seikosho. In 1911, Suzuki Shoten spun off the company to establish Kobe Steel Works, Ltd. at Wakinohamacho, Kobe. Over 120 years since its founding, our Group has been responding to the needs of society and demands of the times through its materials, machinery, and electric power businesses.
Industrial modernization
Establishment of the Group and development of business foundation for the growth of Japanese industry
With the mission of contributing to the "independence of Japanese industry" in the heavy industry sector, Kobe Steel launched many of Japan's first domestically produced products not only in the steel sector but also in the aluminum, copper, machinery,engineering, and construction machinery businesses, while expanding its business domains in these areas.
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| 1940 |
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Post-war recovery and rapid economic growth
Early resumption of steel production after the war and establishment of a position as a pioneer in the industrialization of titanium
Wire rod production resumed for the reconstruction of Japan within three months after the end of the war. In 1949, we began Japan's first research and development of titanium, and in 1955 we began industrial production. Our Company, a pioneer in titanium, has grown into a comprehensive manufacturer of titanium, from melting to final products.
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| 1960 |
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Building the foundation for integrated management of steel, nonferrous metals, and machinery;
Overseas expansion with the KOBELCO brand
We developed diverse businesses and built the foundation for integrated management through the establishment of Kakogawa Works, the start of the direct reduction ironmaking plant business, etc.
In addition, the establishment of the KOBELCO brand has increased recognition of the Group's technologies, products, and business activities both in Japan and overseas.
| 1962 |
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| 1968 |
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| 1979 |
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| 1983 |
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| 1988 |
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| 1990 |
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Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake
Transition from earthquake recovery to improved competitiveness; Contributing to the restoration of local communities through the construction of urban power plant
The Company suffered the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995. The blast furnace at the former Kobe Works (the current Kobe Wire Rod & Bar Plant) was severely damaged but restored in two and a half months. It became a symbol of Kobe's post-earthquake reconstruction.
In 2002, we began the electric power business, leveraging our in-house power generation know-how of the ironmaking business. To date, we have been contributing to the improvement of the power supply rate in Kobe City and the Hanshin area.
| 1996 |
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| 2002 |
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| 2004 |
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Global financial crisis
Strengthening Group management and business structures for the next 100 years
In 2005, our Group celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding. In order to further enhance the collective strengths of the Group, we have strengthened the Group management and business structures, including the establishment of overseas regional headquarters.
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| 2011 |
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| 2014 |
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| 2016 |
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Acceleration of the sustainability movement
Taking on the challenge of realizing carbon neutrality to achieve a sustainable society
In 2021, our Group set its 2030 target and 2050 vision from the two aspects of reducing CO2 emissions in production processes and contributing to reduction of CO2 emissions through its distinctive technologies, products, and services. We will implement various measures aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 in respective businesses.
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| 2025 |
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